Tipp Topp waffle iron

[James Wilson]

I almost let this one slip away but for some keen observation by Tom and his timely advice.
I believe that it is from very early 1900 but am looking for confirmation or otherwise on that period.
Is this type of  wire support frame common or is it specific to particular regions or eras etc ??
Thanks once more to you Tom :)

[Tom Neitzel]

Thanks for posting the after pictures.  I'm really glad you picked it up (wish I had it.)

It's German.  If I had to guess a date, it would be in the first quarter of the 20th century.  Likely before WW1, but could be as late as the 1930s.

D.R.P.a. = Deutsches Reichspatent angemeldet, meaning German Imperial Patent applied for.   The first started using the term in 1877.

tom

[Mark Zizzi]

Interesting piece. It doesn't look like you can flip it, with that tab handle on the top. Or even get the top half hot...except by conduction. How does that work?

[Roger Muse]

Interesting piece. It doesn't look like you can flip it, with that tab handle on the top. Or even get the top half hot...except by conduction. How does that work?

It appears that it might be able to flip because the tabs on either side would keep the "top" from opening when rolled over.  That is of course assuming that rolling it over is as simple as grabbing the hinge and moving it from the back to the front.

[Tom Neitzel]

Interesting piece. It doesn't look like you can flip it, with that tab handle on the top. Or even get the top half hot...except by conduction. How does that work?

It appears that it might be able to flip because the tabs on either side would keep the "top" from opening when rolled over.  That is of course assuming that rolling it over is as simple as grabbing the hinge and moving it from the back to the front.

You've got it Roger.  Just press down on that tab near the handle and it will flip over, with the frame holding the iron closed.  These are really quite a bit heavier than they look and the partially cooked waffle inside would tend to hold it shut too.

Tom

[Robert Hynes]

That's a nice iron.

Missed a old Griswold waffle iron at a local antique mall, didn't have cash on me. By the time I got back someone had bought it  :-[

[C. Perry Rapier]

That's a nice iron.

Missed a old Griswold waffle iron at a local antique mall, didn't have cash on me. By the time I got back someone had bought it  :-[

Depending on what it was Robert, you may not have missed much.  :-/

[Robert Hynes]

That's a nice iron.

Missed a old Griswold waffle iron at a local antique mall, didn't have cash on me. By the time I got back someone had bought it  :-[

Depending on what it was Robert, you may not have missed much.  :-/

True enough, but at the moment i'm trying to gather usable cast iron to clean up and use. Value isn't a big deal. It's the only waffle iron i've laid eyes on that is complete, the few others were parts and pieces.

[James Wilson]

You are on to it Robert. It is balanced with just enough bias that it flips 180 with the smallest of effort and no hint of separation. I imagine there was a handle/wire of some description to lift the lid open and as an assist to rotate the piece.
I am thinking that it was used on the old cast ovens with the removable cast inserts for direct heat or it could have been for the horizontal griller/toaster on early gas and electric stoves(?)..the wire up-stand lid support folds forward and rests easily on the lid so we end up with a overall height of just 40mm or 1 5/8". The waffle iron measures 7 5/8" diameter.
It would not function as a rotation device on any conventional flat surface hot plate because the tab would not allow it; that is unless it was raised up on a stand and that would be precarious and not logic.
It is all supposition so please feel free to critique.
And Perry, some of your humour would sit well 8-) ; how are they hanging old friend? :)